Meet The Team

Stephen Raybould – Programme Director (Ageing Better)

I am the Programme Director for Ageing Better in Birmingham. My goal is to create and maintain focus, enthusiasm and momentum to tackle the issue of isolation in those over 50. I am responsible, on behalf of Ageing Better Core Strategic Partnership, for delivering thechange brought about by Ageing Better in Birmingham.

I pull together the various work streams involved and manage their inter-dependencies including oversight of any risks and issues that arise. I also take the lead in integrating learning back into the programme.

I also am responsible for the overall integrity and coherence of the programme. I do this by developing and maintaining the programme environment to support each individual project within it. This is largely achieved by working through the programme management office, and Ageing Better’s excellent team.

Louise Bunn – Programme Coordinator

My role is to ensure the effective coordination of operational and commissioning activity within Ageing Better in Birmingham. I am responsible for ensuring that the delivery of the programme's milestones are effectively planned and delivered in order for us to achieve our outcomes over the life of the programme. I support the involvement of the Age of Experience group to engage in programme level opportunities, ensuring that they are at the heart of decision making.

Elina Svantesson – Ageing Better Coordinator

I am responsible for the Ageing Better Fund, lead on Marketing and Communications for the programme and the set up of a Supporter's Scheme. I work closely with the Ageing Better Fund Panel to ensure the fund meets the aims of the programme and I support the Ageing Better Hubs in helping applicants apply to the fund. I ensure that our marketing activities are on track and reflect the high quality of work that is required, and liaise with organisations and individuals who would like to support the programme.

Phil Done – Finance & Monitoring Officer

My role is concerned with the co-ordination of internal and external reporting and monitoring for the Ageing Better in Birmingham project, as well as ensuring that the project is on target for expenditure against the forecasted budget. I am also responsible for ensuring Ageing Better in Birmingham complies with the National Evaluation of the Ageing Better programme. All reporting I undertake is provided to the team, the Core Partners and the Big Lottery Fund to ensure the programme is held to account at all levels.

Jacob Standbridge – Ageing Better Administration Officer

My role is largely focused on the Ageing Better Fund, for which I carry out day-to-day tasks such as processing invoices, making payments, taking minutes in meetings , checking applications to the Fund and engaging with and responding to queries from the networks that we have funded. I also do other ad hoc jobs for the team where required and fill the crucial role of being the team’s Robot Wars expert. I’m very lucky to be involved in a job that helps improve people’s lives – in my view there is no better kind of work.

Kate Knowles – Ageing Better Administration Officer

I’m the administration officer for the Ageing Better in Birmingham team. It is my responsibility to keep everyone organised by taking minutes, preparing agendas and booking meetings. I have a particular interest in charity communications and a love of writing. I therefore take every opportunity to manage events, write content and research media opportunities for the programme.